Going on a vacation, we all hope to have an excellent rest, get some new exciting impressions, and bonding memories with our loved ones. Unfortunately, sometimes weather may have different plans, and you may find yourself in the middle of disaster at a place that was supposed to be your paradise. Since floods are the most common and probable natural disasters worldwide, flood safety rules are essential today!
There is a big difference between getting caught in a flood at home and in a different town or even part of the world. An unfamiliar environment, as well as a lack of communication and information about local emergency services, can turn even minor flooding into a life-threatening situation for tourists.
And while most hotel owners acknowledge the importance of flood control, flood barriers, and other modern solutions meant to keep you safe during your stay, it is always important to keep in mind some basic flood safety rules.
Acting rationally and according to those essential tips will prevent panic, help you manage the situation, especially if you travel with kids or pets, and avoid unnecessary injuries and accidents during flooding.
In this article, we shall cover the most essential safety rules for travelers and things everyone needs to know if they get caught flooding in an unfamiliar area.
The essential flood safety rules!
These rules are relevant whether flooding caught you at home or in the middle of a travel. As simple and basic as they may seem, following those regulations can save your life and help you protect those who you are responsible for:
- Stick to higher ground. As soon as you realize that the flooding approaches, make sure to move to higher ground and stay put there waiting for the emergency services to evacuate you. Another safety tip for travelers is, in case you know that you are staying in a floodplain area, make sure to book a room higher than the third floor or at a hotel located on a hill or other elevated site;
- Don`t try to evacuate in a car. Just 20 inches of flowing water can quickly sweep off a vehicle with passengers. The situation will be even more dangerous if you are at a staging place, where the road terrain and streets are unfamiliar. If the flood approaches, don`t try to evacuate using your own vehicle. It is better to stay put and wait for the emergency services to take care of your evacuation;
- Don`t approach floodwater. Even if the flooding seems minor and harmless, don`t try to walk or swim through floodwater. First of all, just a couple of inches of water flow can swipe you off your feet. You also don`t know exactly what kind of garbage, debris, and other objects can get into the flow and injure you. And, of course, once you are in a foreign land, remember that floodwater can carry contaminants and diseases that your body may not be familiar and immune to;
- Watch out for the local animals. Floods often push animals away from their territories and shelters. Feeling threatened, they may become aggressive and start attacking people who approach them or even pass by without noticing them. Also, animals have the same flood safety rules as we do and, therefore, will instinctively move to higher grounds, the same areas where you will be looking for shelter. Be careful and watch your step to avoid disturbing the local fauna;
- Stay away from electricity. Electric shock is the most common reason for trauma and even death during floods. It happens even more often than drowning. If you suspect that the power lines might have been affected by the flood, there are open wires or unprotected connections; keep away from floodwater as it is the perfect electricity conductor. Don`t try to turn the light on and off in unfamiliar places, and try to find a pair of rubber gloves if you absolutely need to touch some switch or an electric device.
Flooding is a highly stressful situation that often forces us to act irrationally. Being caught by flood in an unfamiliar place or on the road can be even scarier as you are not familiar with the area and terrain locations of shelters.
However, the primary flood safety rules are the same when and where the flood catches you. Following them, you will ensure your safety and have a higher chance of being found and rescued by the local emergency services despite the language barrier, lack of information, or knowledge of the local infrastructure.
Nevertheless, it is very important to choose hotels and locations equipped with efficient modern flood control solutions. Booking a room or making arrangements, don`t hesitate to ask whether a hotel has flood barriers and other modern devices to keep you safe during flooding.
Want to know more about the best flood barriers and ways to protect your house or business from flooding? Contact Dam Easy today and discover the latest inventions and solutions in flood control that will minimize the risks and damage in case of flooding, keep you and your beloved ones safe and sound and serve you for many years!
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